Tobin, John Vincent (Jack) September 7, 1933 - February 2, 2023

In Remembrance

 Bronxville NY – John Vincent (Jack) Tobin. Born September, 7^th 1933 Yonkers, NY. Died February 2^nd 2023.

Captain Tobin, Jack, John, Dockmaster, Dad, Grandpa, caring husband to Sheila for 63 years.  Loving grandfather, great father, role model, mentor, friend, trusted advisor and underneath a stoic exterior a very kind and caring man. He passed away peacefully at home with his family around him. Jack suffered a long illness, yet rest assured, he left the world the way he wanted to – stubbornly and defiantly. He always remained positive and never complained; he was at peace in the end.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Sheila (Clarkson), whom he somehow convinced to marry him in April, 1960, his sons, John Vincent Tobin III (Bruno Lemieux), Greg Tobin (Kim), his granddaughters Julia and Kayla Tobin, as well as his brother, Jim Tobin.

After graduating Roosevelt HS (Yonkers), he served in the Navy (Seabees) and travelled to Africa, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Upon leaving the Navy he made a brief attempt studying engineering at Marquette University. Realizing that studying and office work were not in the cards for him, he returned to Yonkers, married his English bride, Sheila and entered public service as a Yonkers Firefighter. In 1963, he accepted a firefighter position with the FDNY and moved his family to East Rockaway, NY where Jack and Sheila raised their children and remained for 57yrs (2020). Jack was very committed to his profession in the FDNY, working as a Firefighter in Brooklyn (E211 -1960’s), Lieutenant in the South Bronx (E 94 -1970’s) and Captain in Manhattan (E16 – 1980’s), and finally as acting Battalion Chief in Far Rockaway (E328 -1990’s).  Throughout his 30-year career he remained committed to his men and the public he served. He was injured multiple times, spent some time in the burn unit, and received commendations for valor and courage. He supported and counselled his brothers who suffered burns. Our dad took pride helping veterans of the Vietnam War transition home into stable careers in the FDNY. He was very proud of the legacy he left behind and loved his profession.

When not focused on work, he strove to be a positive impact on those around him. He was a leader at his boating club, where he earned the nickname “Dockmaster” for his designing and building many of the docks still in use today. He gave to the community where he could, supporting local organizations, and was determined to have the greenest lawn, best homegrown vegetables and the sweetest peaches from his backyard. In fact, upon retirement, he studied horticulture at a local college. An avid reader, he was curious, eager to learn and to share with others. A teacher at heart, he instilled the importance of curiosity and learning in his sons.

Jack was a man of few words but meant what he said when he said it. He appreciated a simple life and loved a good laugh. Those that knew him well were occasionally treated to a cunning wit and clever observation. He was simple and “old school” in his approach to life but loved all thing he experienced through his family and friends. He was a pillar of integrity, honesty and humility.

He experienced two new joys of his life when his granddaughters Julia and Kayla were born in 2011 and 2013 respectively.   “Grandpa” was smitten from day one and they were the light of his life; we enjoyed watching them melt his strong exterior. In 2020 Jack and Sheila moved to Bronxville in Westchester, so he could be closer to his granddaughters and family. He would do anything, even in his ill health, to see Julia and Kayla play sports, act in plays, or just be around them to laugh and smile. The move to Bronxville was like moving back to his childhood home; it allowed him to reconnect with his brother Jim and nieces and nephews. He often said he wished they had moved to Bronxville sooner.

The Tobin family would like to thank, the various care givers who cared for Jack.  The kind and generous staff at Davita Dialysis Center (Yonkers), the staff at NYP Lawrence Hospital. His daughter-in-law Kim Tobin, son-in-Law Bruno Lemieux.  Jack’s wonderful and compassionate caregiver, Karen Gill.

A celebration of his life will take place in the spring – details to follow. If you feel incline, please consider making a donation to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Burn Center Foundation